VILLA PARK – On Sept. 7, 2017, Equifax announced that a security breach compromised the personal information of 143 million U.S. residents, including more than 5.4 million Illinois residents.

There will now be protections against the consequences of such breaches thanks to a measure championed by State Senator Tom Cullerton (D-Villa Park), which will allow consumers to protect themselves in a cost-effective and timely manner.

“This new law will ensure people are not penalized for making responsible financial decisions,” Cullerton said. “Every day Illinois residents use online services that require them to share personal information. This makes all of us susceptible to security breaches similar to the 2017 Equifax breach. When misfortune strikes, it’s vital that the State of Illinois ensure DuPage County residents have the tools available to protect themselves.”

Cullerton’s House Bill 4095 will prohibit consumer reporting agencies from imposing a charge on a consumer for placing a freeze, removing a freeze, or temporarily lifting a freeze on their credit reports.

The Equifax security breach compromised information such as names, Social Security numbers, birth dates, addresses and driver's license numbers. This breach is very concerning, as such sensitive information can be used for identity theft.

Previously, consumer reporting agencies were allowed to charge up to $10 each time a consumer wished to take these proactive actions.

House Bill 4095 will not only eliminate fees but would also allow Illinois residents to initiate or remove a freeze by telephone and through electronic methods.

“It’s important for the state laws to evolve with the needs of the people,” Cullerton said. “In light of recent security breaches, it is important that the state has protections in place that prioritizes consumers.”

House Bill 4095 goes into effect immediately.

For those that are already victims of identity theft or those who believe their personal or financial information has been compromised, Cullerton suggests calling the Illinois Attorney General’s toll-free Identity Theft Hotline at 1-866-999-5630 or 1-877-844-5461 (TTY).